Luanda has officially stepped away from its role as the mediator in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s prolonged and bloody conflict with the M23 rebels. After months of attempting to bring the warring sides to the negotiating table, the Angolan presidency announced that it would no longer act as the region’s main peace broker. The move signals a major shift in diplomatic efforts to resolve one of Africa’s most persistent crises, leaving many to wonder what comes next.
The eastern DRC has long been a battleground for various armed groups, with the M23 rebels being among the most notorious. Since their resurgence in 2021, they have clashed with Congolese forces in a cycle of violence that has displaced thousands and drawn in regional players. Angola, under the leadership of President João Lourenço, stepped into the fray in hopes of negotiating a lasting settlement between the rebels and the Congolese government. However, as time passed, it became clear that mediation efforts were hitting a wall.
For Angola, playing peacemaker was never going to be easy. The conflict is deeply rooted in historical grievances, regional rivalries, and shifting political alliances. The M23, made up largely of ethnic Tutsis, has long accused the DRC government of marginalization and failing to honor past agreements. Meanwhile, Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels—an allegation that Kigali denies but which has fueled tensions in the region.
From the outset, Angola faced an uphill battle. Getting both sides to even agree on the terms of engagement was a struggle, and multiple ceasefires were either short-lived or outright ignored. While Angola managed to facilitate some dialogue, the lack of trust between the parties made significant progress nearly impossible. The fighting continued, civilians remained in danger, and frustration mounted. At a certain point, Luanda had to ask itself whether it was making a real difference or simply playing a losing game.
The decision to step back doesn’t mean Angola is washing its hands of the crisis entirely. The government has emphasized its commitment to regional peace and stability, but it has also acknowledged that the mediation process needs a fresh approach. Rather than a single country leading negotiations, the task will now be handed over to a newly expanded mediation team consisting of five former African heads of state. The idea is that a broader, more experienced team may be able to offer new strategies and perspectives that Angola, on its own, could not.
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This shift in mediation comes at a critical moment. The situation on the ground remains volatile, with both sides ramping up military operations rather than scaling them back. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire. Many have been forced to flee their homes, adding to an already dire refugee crisis in the region. While international organizations have called for renewed peace efforts, the reality is that without a breakthrough in negotiations, the violence will likely continue.
Reactions to Angola’s decision have been mixed. Some observers see it as a necessary step, arguing that a new approach was overdue given the lack of progress under Angola’s leadership. Others worry that the withdrawal could create a power vacuum in the peace process, leading to further delays and escalating violence. The Congolese government has yet to comment extensively on the decision, but some officials have privately expressed concerns that changing mediators at this stage could further complicate an already fragile situation.
For Angola, stepping back is also a recognition of the limitations of unilateral mediation. The conflict in eastern Congo is not just about two sides fighting—it involves a web of regional interests, international diplomacy, and historical grievances that require a more comprehensive approach. While Angola played a crucial role in trying to keep the talks alive, its exit suggests that a single country alone cannot resolve such a deeply entrenched crisis.
The question now is whether the newly expanded mediation team can succeed where Angola struggled. The five former African heads of state stepping in bring with them years of experience in diplomacy, governance, and conflict resolution. Their presence could add credibility to the process, offering fresh ideas and a renewed sense of urgency. However, they will still face the same fundamental challenge: convincing two deeply distrustful sides to come to the table and honor whatever agreements they reach.
At the same time, the broader international community will be watching closely. The conflict in eastern Congo has drawn concern from the United Nations, the African Union, and various Western nations, all of whom have called for a peaceful resolution. However, diplomatic statements alone won’t be enough. Real pressure, coordinated efforts, and tangible incentives for peace will be necessary to break the cycle of violence. Angola’s decision to exit the mediation role may not be the end of its involvement in the crisis, but it does mark a significant turning point. After months of trying to referee a conflict that refused to be tamed, Luanda has chosen to step back and let a new team take the lead. Whether this will bring about meaningful change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—eastern Congo’s path to peace is still long and uncertain.
